Gender quotas

MEP Paul Nuttall

An EU ruling that will allow governments to dissolve companies that do not adhere to a gender quota system of 40% in senior positions has been slammed by MEP Paul Nuttall.

It has just been passed by the European Parliament sitting in Strasbourg and they also passed another amendment which will mean that the under-represented gender will be given preferential treatment in the recruitment, selection and appointment of non-executive directors.

All 21 of UKIP's amendments were rejected by the parliament. These included provisions such as an opt-out for member states and stopping any possible sanctions on companies.

UKIP Deputy Leader Mr Nuttall said, "This legislation is barmy and confirms once more that Euro-fanatics have very little economic sense about them.

"These people seem determined to bring about token positive discrimination which may lead to businesses that don't comply being shut down across Europe.

"It is mad, bad and downright dangerous. UKIP has tried to stand up for British business with a series of amendments but these were steamrolled over by the European Parliament's collection of EU federalist MEPs.

"We must leave the European Union and ensure Britain isn't damaged by any more of this madness.”